My mom was such a beautiful woman. She was gentle yet strong. She taught me how to stand up for myself. I miss her so much. She fought her cancer for 3 long years and even though it was hard on her she always had a smile to share. Even towards the end I believe she still held on to the optimistic hope that a cure would be found. She held onto life as long as she could, surpassing the estimates of many doctors, to be with her husband, 3 children, and many friends. I will miss her smile, her voice, her hugs, and her advice which always put my mind at ease. On the crisp yet sunny morning of October 22 2005 she was surrounded by myself, her husband Tom, and two of her best friends Debbie and Barbara. I put one of her favorite CDs on and she instantly relaxed. Gradually her breathing slowed. Tom kissed her on the forehead and said, "it's okay honey, you can go." She took one last slow breath and was gone. Although her life was far too short, I'm glad her suffering is over. No more pills or hospitals or doctors. No more chemo or pain patches or blood transfusions. Rest in peace beautiful mamma. I love you. Second from the left. written by Tamara Cooper - December 1979 God saw she was getting tired and a cure was not to be, so he put his arms around her and whispered "come with me." With tearful eyes we watched her suffer and saw her fade away. Although we loved her dearly, we could not make her stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands to rest; God took her from this earth to prove...he only takes the best. Author unknown Tamara Teninga Cooper 7/21/48 - 10/22/05